Abstract
Background
The strong and consistent association between overweight/obesity and chronic musculoskeletal pain (MSK pain) is well-established in quantitative research. However, a critical gap exists in our understanding of the lived experience of this pain within this population. Quantitative studies, while demonstrating a correlation, cannot fully elucidate the complex interplay between physical sensations, emotional responses, and the impact on daily life. Therefore, a qualitative approach is crucial to gain in-depth insights into the subjective experience of MSK pain among overweight and obese individuals.
Purpose
The objective of this study is to explore the pain perceptions and treatment preferences among individuals classified as overweight or obese who experience chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Methods
This study used purposive sampling to recruit overweight and obese adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Participants completed 60-minute, in-person interviews, which were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed to identify key themes.
Results
Thirteen participants (7 men, 6 women, aged 65-74, BMI 25-32.5) described their experiences. Thematic analysis revealed five key themes: pain management limitations, obesity management challenges, weight's contribution to pain, barriers to integrated care, and participant recommendations for improved management. Participants strongly linked increased weight to pain severity, impacting physical, psychological, and social well-being. Resource limitations were identified as a major obstacle. Participant-derived recommendations were also analyzed.
Conclusion(s)
In summary, this study found that older adults strongly linked their increased weight with greater pain severity, which had significant negative impacts on their physical, psychological, and social well-being. Participants faced significant limitations and barriers in managing both their pain and obesity, highlighting the need for a more holistic, patient-centered approach to address the complex interactions between these issues and overall health and quality of life. The findings underscore the importance of developing and evaluating comprehensive, integrated interventions that can effectively support older adults in managing pain and obesity to improve their long-term outcomes.
Implications
The research findings highlight the critical need for a more comprehensive, patient-centered approach to addressing the complex interplay between chronic pain and obesity in older adult populations. Clinically, healthcare providers must recognize the significant negative impacts that the co-occurrence of these conditions can have on an individual's physical, psychological, and social well-being, while also addressing the barriers to integrated care and resource limitations faced by patients. From a research perspective, these findings call for further investigation into the development and evaluation of targeted, multidisciplinary interventions that address both the physical and psychosocial aspects of managing pain and obesity concurrently, drawing on the valuable recommendations provided by participants. Ultimately, a multi-faceted, policy-level response is needed to ensure older adults have access to the resources and support required to effectively manage their pain and obesity, improving long-term health outcomes and quality of life in this vulnerable population.
The strong and consistent association between overweight/obesity and chronic musculoskeletal pain (MSK pain) is well-established in quantitative research. However, a critical gap exists in our understanding of the lived experience of this pain within this population. Quantitative studies, while demonstrating a correlation, cannot fully elucidate the complex interplay between physical sensations, emotional responses, and the impact on daily life. Therefore, a qualitative approach is crucial to gain in-depth insights into the subjective experience of MSK pain among overweight and obese individuals.
Purpose
The objective of this study is to explore the pain perceptions and treatment preferences among individuals classified as overweight or obese who experience chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Methods
This study used purposive sampling to recruit overweight and obese adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Participants completed 60-minute, in-person interviews, which were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed to identify key themes.
Results
Thirteen participants (7 men, 6 women, aged 65-74, BMI 25-32.5) described their experiences. Thematic analysis revealed five key themes: pain management limitations, obesity management challenges, weight's contribution to pain, barriers to integrated care, and participant recommendations for improved management. Participants strongly linked increased weight to pain severity, impacting physical, psychological, and social well-being. Resource limitations were identified as a major obstacle. Participant-derived recommendations were also analyzed.
Conclusion(s)
In summary, this study found that older adults strongly linked their increased weight with greater pain severity, which had significant negative impacts on their physical, psychological, and social well-being. Participants faced significant limitations and barriers in managing both their pain and obesity, highlighting the need for a more holistic, patient-centered approach to address the complex interactions between these issues and overall health and quality of life. The findings underscore the importance of developing and evaluating comprehensive, integrated interventions that can effectively support older adults in managing pain and obesity to improve their long-term outcomes.
Implications
The research findings highlight the critical need for a more comprehensive, patient-centered approach to addressing the complex interplay between chronic pain and obesity in older adult populations. Clinically, healthcare providers must recognize the significant negative impacts that the co-occurrence of these conditions can have on an individual's physical, psychological, and social well-being, while also addressing the barriers to integrated care and resource limitations faced by patients. From a research perspective, these findings call for further investigation into the development and evaluation of targeted, multidisciplinary interventions that address both the physical and psychosocial aspects of managing pain and obesity concurrently, drawing on the valuable recommendations provided by participants. Ultimately, a multi-faceted, policy-level response is needed to ensure older adults have access to the resources and support required to effectively manage their pain and obesity, improving long-term health outcomes and quality of life in this vulnerable population.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 29 May 2025 |
| Event | World Physiotherapy Congress 2025 - Tokyo, Japan Duration: 29 May 2025 → 31 May 2025 https://wp2025.world.physio/ |
Conference
| Conference | World Physiotherapy Congress 2025 |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | WPC2025 |
| Country/Territory | Japan |
| City | Tokyo |
| Period | 29/05/25 → 31/05/25 |
| Internet address |
